Obituary of Craig E. Ehle

Mr. Craig E. Ehle, 92, most recently of Herkimer, NY, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the Wells Nursing Home, Johnstown, NY.

Craig was born in Fort Plain, NY, on July 14, 1932, the son of the late Herman and Hazel Dygert Ehle.

He graduated from Fort Plain High School Class of 1950. Craig was the 4th generation owner and operator of The Ehle’s Coal Yard on River Street. He also worked as a bus driver for 25 years for the Fort Plain Central School.  Craig served his country as a US Army stand-by Reservist. Locally, for over 45 years, he was a Volunteer Firefighter in Fort Plain, holding many offices, including Chief, for many years.

Most of his life was spent in the local area; he lived in Fort Plain until his retirement in 1996, when he moved to Ocala, Florida, returning to the local area in 2022. While in Florida, he lived in the On Top of The World Community, where he attended various clubs, enjoyed playing cribbage, and made many cribbage boards for seniors and friends. He also had been an avid toy collector, especially fire trucks.

He most recently attended College Road Baptist Church, Ocala, Florida.

On November 3, 1957, he married Mary Wilmer in front of the fireplace at the bride's parents' home. Mary predeceased Craig shortly after they returned to New York on December 10, 2022.

Craig is survived by his daughter, Susan, and her husband, Clayton Pedrick; son, Darren, and his wife, Michelle Ehle; grandsons, Andrew and his wife, Nicole Phillips, Timothy Phillips, Matthew Ehle, and Noah Ehle; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

On behalf of the Ehle family, a special thank you to the Wells Nursing Home, Second Floor, for their excellent and compassionate care. 

The family will receive friends and family on Saturday, September 7th, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:45. At 11:45, at the Fort Plain Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339. The Fort Plain Fire Department will perform a service before a funeral service at noon. Pastor Gary Wilcox will preside.

Burial will take place privately at the Fort Plain Cemetery.

If anyone wishes to make a memorial contribution in memory of Craig, please consider Fort Plain Volunteer Fire Dept., 168 Canal Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339.